Will Kerns is celebrating 1 year with HMB this month. Will serves as a Right of Way Agent in HMB's Right of Way Division. Will completes acquisitions of properties needed for various types of projects and also assists people and businesses in relocating when necessary. In honor of Will's anniversary, we asked him a few questions:
What made you get into Right of Way?
I chose Right of Way because of my early exposure to it. My father, who is the HMB Right of Way Division Manager, has made Right of Way a lifelong career. While growing up I would listen to his stories about the daily craziness that is Right of Way and the older I got the more it sounded like something that I would enjoy. Where did you attend college? What did you major in?Eastern Kentucky University. I graduated with a BA in Geography with a focus on Regional and Urban Planning.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is also the most frustrating and that is getting to deal with people. In this profession we deal with all walks of life, literally from the homeless to Billionaires. No two days are EVER the same. Also getting to work with the guys in my division make coming into work easy.
What’s the most interesting part of your job?
Personally, the most interesting part of my job is getting to help people and businesses through the relocation process. 9 times out of 10 in the beginning they are confused and angry but will quickly admit that they are in a better situation once moved and reestablished.
Which project(s) are you most proud to have worked on in your career? Why?
I don’t have a specific project that I am most proud of, I am proud of (almost) all of them.
What has been your best, worst or funniest moment at HMB?
Best: Getting to work with the people at HMB. There is so much knowledge in this building and in our division that I literally learn something new several times a day.
Funniest: Listening to John Brown every day. If you know John you know what I am talking about.
What are your hobbies?
Weightlifting, golf, fishing, slow pitch softball, cars.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one item what would it be?
A pallet of Duct Tape. If that sounds crazy, watch that episode of Mythbusters.
What’s your favorite movie?
The Great Outdoors
What’s your favorite TV show?
The Walking Dead
What would be your dream vacation?
Wandering around Europe for a few weeks with family and friends.
What superhero would you be and why?
The Hulk, the more people try and bring him down, the stronger he gets.
If you could travel by plane, train, automobile or boat, which would you choose?
Automobile, I am a car guy and have always enjoyed being able to get out and take a drive.
What is your favorite genre of music? Do you have a favorite band?
I like all types of music so choosing a favorite is kind of tough. If I had to pick just one, I would say Led Zeppelin.
What’s your favorite type of food? Do you have a favorite restaurant?
Pizza. I could eat it every meal of the day for the rest of my life with a smile on my face.
What's your favorite sports team? Do you prefer college or professional?
UK Basketball. I keep up with it 24/7. I prefer college over professional but I am a fan of both.